Summer is the season of rainbow produce, bringing fresh veggies and fruits to our plates. And considering the upcoming hot weather and the need to ditch the grease and substitute it with lighter meals, it's the perfect time for mouthwatering summer salads. Packed with nourishment and delicious flavours in equal measure, they are perfect for breakfast, evening snacks, and sometimes late-night meals.
Here's a list of the 11 delightful summer salads that taste great and make you feel lighter and better.
1. Greek quinoa salad
If you've never tasted a Greek salad, trust me, you're missing something. Packed with the creamy texture of Feta cheese and the tangy flavours of red wine vinegar and lemon, the salad is filling, healthy, and a delish treat for the tongue. It's dense in nutrients yet low in calories, making it perfect for a hot summer day.
Image Courtesy: Nutritious Eats
2. Mango, avocado & tomato salad with dates
Avocados have wholly taken over the world of dietary food, and one look at the mile-long list of its health benefits will help you understand the reason precisely. Also, for many of us, the aroma of fresh mangoes defines the feeling of the season. This nutritious salad features some of the most delicious summer produce while being super low in calories and light on the stomach.
Image Courtesy: Healthy Travel Blog
3. Pesto chicken salad
This salad doubles up as a healthy lunch option and a bowl of comfort food. The pesto dressing amps up the taste several notches, and the grilled chicken adds another delicious incentive. So if you're on a strict diet, it doesn't get better than this summer salad recipe.
Image Courtesy: Headbanger's Kitchen
4. Mediterranean chickpea salad
You can prepare this salad recipe ahead of time and stash it away in the fridge for hectic days. It's super satisfying for long hours and low on calories simultaneously. In addition, chickpeas are a brilliant source of nutrients, including essential vitamins, minerals, and gut-health-improving fibre.
Image Courtesy: The Busy Baker
5. Loaded summer cauliflower salad
Cauliflower has been shining off late as a superfood and one of the healthiest substitutes for heavier foods like rice and potatoes. So harness all the benefits of this vegetable to produce a summer salad that's Keto-friendly, nutrient-rich, and immensely appetising.
Image Courtesy: Tasty
6. American corn salad
Juicy sweet corn and your favourite herbs with some tangy lemon juice, this salad is bound to keep you smacking your lips long after you've gobbled up every bite. It's filling and comes packed with the goodness of fresh veggies and herbs!
Image Courtesy: Food With Feeling
7. Caeser salad
Featuring fresh Romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons, a Caesar salad tastes better than it sounds! It's loaded with herbs and a light olive oil dressing and packed with delicious Parmesan cheese! The salad is super-light on the stomach, especially during hot summer days, and keeps you full well after lunch.
Image Courtesy: Rajshri Food
8. Watermelon, olive & feta salad
With the goodness of one of the best gifts of summer, watermelon, this scrumptious summer salad energises your body and soul. You need a couple of ingredients to make a bowl of this dish refreshing, and feta cheese packs the recipe with more appetising flavours.
Image Courtesy: Craftlog
9. Israeli couscous summer salad
The hearty Israeli couscous summer salad has many health benefits to boast of. It's got that fresh lift of aromatic herbs and the kind of tang that will make you wipe your bowl clean! It's the perfect, invigorating lunch to savour, especially on hot and busy days.
Image Courtesy: Inspired Taste
10. Classic summer fruit salad
It's classic for a reason. This salad is the perfect post-lunch snack brimming with colourful and sweet summer fruit flavours! The dish is 100% vegan and gluten-free and the right choice for anybody inching towards a healthier diet. Drizzle some honey dressing to amp up the taste further.
Image Courtesy: Fun Food Frolic Youtube
11. Brocoli & nuts salad
You won’t miss the bacon in this lightened-up take on classic broccoli salad. Smoky roasted nuts take its place, adding delectable savory bites. A lightly creamy, sweet & tangy dressing takes the whole thing over the top.
Image Courtesy: loveandlemon.com
Lettuce know how you like these summer salads!